I'll tell you what I know based on experience and research. Chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are a good short term fix to acne, but in the long term they will only dry out your skin and when you stop using these topicals you'll most probably break out.

After using salicylic acid for 2 years it was effective for the first 8 months, then, this year I got alot of breakouts for no reason. After some research I've decided that even though natural things like manuka honey, acv etc are not strong, I'm just going to use them and be patient as I know they won't harm my skin in the long term, but are actually healing it and restoring it back in balance.. thus acne will eventually go away (hopefully)

So basically routine I am about to start is manuka honey cleanser (make sure it has a umf rating), apple cider vinegar as a toner (braggs brand, and dilute with water) and a oil free moisturiser at night and a sunscreen in the morning.

If acne is hormonal, you have to do something to affect the hormones. Medication affects the hormones effect, which is why it doesn't prevent acne, but it does help treat it. You will need to look into a way to alter the hormones in your body if you want to not use a medication.

yes, i have. i posted a thread about it awhile back.